Earthjustice Responds to Montana Governor's Incitement Against Wolves

Governor suggests people ignore federal wolf protections

February 28, 2011

Bozeman, MT —

Earthjustice sent a letter to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer telling him he’s wrong to direct state game wardens to ignore illegal wolf killing and to wipe out entire wolf packs in response to single incidents of livestock depredation. Schweitzer sent a letter to the Secretary of the Interior February 16 stating that Montana did not intend to enforce federal law. Schweitzer made similar statements in numerous follow-up interviews with local and national media outlets. Earthjustice attorneys Doug Honnold and Jenny Harbine wrote to Schweitzer warning, "… your statements may incite Montanans to violate the Endangered Species Act. Wolves are still protected under that Act."

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